Little Havana’s chimichurri sauce goes with everything

Q It doesn’t matter what we order at Little Havana in Deerfield Beach, we always ask, “Can we get a side of chimichurri with that?” Then we bring home the leftover sauce and use it various ways, including on Sunday morning eggs. It’s brilliant and I would love the recipe. Thanks as always Claire for your efforts. Keep me posted if they are in the sharing mode. — Yvonne Scott, Deerfield Beach

A. Traveling back and forth between three restaurants makes Jorge Alvarez Jr. a very difficult man to track down. After several attempts I was thrilled when Michelle Alvarez, Jorge’s wife, reached out to me. When I spoke with Michelle she introduced herself as “just the wife.” I knew better. She’s the glue. She’s the go-to gal that gets things done.

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Jorge Alvarez Jr. runs and operates Little Havana Restaurant (littlehavanarestaurant.com) in North Miami (12727 Biscayne Blvd., 305-899-9069), Deerfield Beach (721 S. Federal Highway, 954-427-6000) and Little Havana Bar & Grill in Coral Springs (6240 Coral Ridge Drive, 954-510-1099). The family business was started by patriarch, Jorge Alvarez Sr. at the North Miami location in 1991. The Cuban specialties that Jorge Jr. grew up eating in his parents’ and grandparents’ kitchens were so well received they expanded to Deerfield Beach in 1995. Their latest rendition in Coral Springs has been open just over a year.

Over the years, Michelle has become Jorge’s advocate and menu taste-tester. The recipe for the family’s more than two decades of restaurant success is a solid ingredient – authenticity. You can see it in the consistently delicious food, the casual, comfortable atmosphere and friendly service. Fair price points and generous portions are added bonuses. Live music adds to the vibe Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m.

An extensive menu of Cuban classics makes it challenging to list all the favorites. A few top sellers include black bean soup, Little Havana bistec with chimichurri sauce, ropa vieja, lechon asado, picadillo a la criolla, lamb shanks in wine sauce and several other savory choices. Lunch specials are offered weekdays. Banquet space and catering menus for special events can be found online. At the Coral Springs location only, food bites and drinks flow during happy hour, served daily from 3 to 7 p.m.

Like Yvonne, Michelle keeps a container of chimichurri in the refrigerator at home for Jorge. “He puts it on everything. But for me, I prefer the cilantro sauce. We always have both sauces on hand. It’s great on eggs, rice, chicken, steaks, even vegetables,” she added. Chimichurri or cilantro? I’ll let you be the judge.

Little Havana Restaurant’s Chimichurri sauce

There are many versions of this recipe. It’s a matter of personal taste. Some people prefer a pungent garlic flavor, while others like a more tart and vinegary bite. After mixing the ingredients taste the sauce and adjust accordingly.